Lumin Network Music Player - Simple Setup

Mike

Mike

Audioshark
Staff member
Joined
Apr 2, 2013
Messages
30,486
Location
Sarasota, FL
I have learned that you would not need an outside Internet connection to run the Lumin. This is because the system can be set up as a closed Ethernet/Wi-Fi network. All you would need is a Lumin, a USB/HDD (NAS certainly preferred but a simple USB drive would work), a Wi-Fi router and an iPad (or other tablet, laptop, etc.). The Wi Fi router would need to have Ethernet cable connection ports on the back and about 99% of them do. If you do not have a NAS drive then you just need to leave your laptop connected to the Wi Fi router. If you do have a NAS, then no need for the PC in the loop. Either way you are good to go.

Easiest set up:
1. Ethernet connection to Wi Fi router from NAS. Note: NAS must be pre-configured with Java, your music library and NAS control software, preferably MinimServer (But you could use other server control software).
2. Ethernet connection from the Wi Fi router to the Lumin.
3. Lumin output to your stereo by analog or digital outputs

Control then becomes the iPad with the Lumin app installed.
 
Mike, no need for internet with the Linn DS either. I only need a computer to rip CD's or download files to my NAS.
 
I'm going to ask a dumb question slightly off thread. Is there a sound quality advantage to taking the PC out of the loop meaning no more USB connection? Also which is preferred wi-fi which might be streaming never figured that out or Ethenet. My thinking as of now is NAS via Ethernet is the strongest most direct route. Thx
 
Originally Posted by Etunes
My thinking as of now is NAS via Ethernet is the strongest most direct route. Thx

I would think that a USB drive with perhaps a PAD or Audioquest USB cable direct into the server would be preferable, at least from a "direct route" perspective.
 
On my other streamer (naim nds) a USB drive hooked directly to the streamer somehow throws digital noise back into the streamer. I suppose from the power supply from the USB drive. So if its separated - hopefully on a separate circuit and only has the ethernet connection with no power going through it everything is better isolated.

although - the absolute best for the naim is a usb 4g stick. but they are a pain to use etc etc etc. and only the ever so slightly better than ethernet.
 
Mike said:
USB requires that a PC stay in the LAN loop as a USB does not have its own CPU for control (whereas a NAS does).
Click to expand...

Why is a PC a must? If you plug in a usb device (a stick of a HDD), I think Lumin would also serve as a media server.

I tried your simple set-up and it worked fine. Thanks!
 
Charles - glad its working for you! I was just relaying what the manufacturer told me.

How do you like the Lumin?
 
Mike said:
Charles - glad its working for you! I was just relaying what the manufacturer told me.

How do you like the Lumin?
Click to expand...

After acquiring the Lumin a few months back, I no longer keep my PC-player -> DAC set-up. I still keep my Denon SA1 disc player. The SA1 has been with me for long as it plays sacd particularly well (I have compared it with Esoteric K-03 and didn't find it was necessary to change). Now the Lumin's DSD performance is making me to reconsider. However, I still have ~100 sacd discs many of which are my favorites. I may eventually rip them to DSF files.

Like you, I now spend less time with my analogue front.
 
Further to Mike's suggestion, I have tried this "simplest" configuration. I used a $20 WiFi router with 4 (Ethernet) ports. Connect the Lumin to one of these ports. I copied a few (test) music files to a 32G usb stick and plugged it in one of Lumin's usb port. Next I fired up the Lumin app, chose Lumin usb music server and there you go (see photo).
IMG_0007.jpg

I suppose you can use a usb hard disk for larger storage. In such a case, you may want to pay attention to the quality of the power supply the HD, as (unlike the Ethernet port) the usb port on the Lumin may not be galvanically isolated.

Basically, in such a case the Lumin also functions as a media sever with the usb stick/disk as storage.
 
Geoffrey said:
Help! I have new Lumin A1 and I'm about as non-tech as it gets. I've tried to set up the Lumin and have struck out with everything I know to try. My plan is to eventually by something like the QNAP HS-210 NAS and an iPad Mini - but till then I want to play music now. I have an old ActionTec modem/router from old ISP and it if WiFi and has four Ethernet connections, but nothing I try with my Win 7 Thinkpad with JRiver MC19 + this ActionTec will work. I have both the Kinsky and MinimServer/Watch aps on my Thinkpad as well. Any assistance much appreciated.
Click to expand...
You may try the "simplest" configuration I posted earlier to get the music playing first. If you already have a Wifi router, just connect the A1 to one of the ports. Your iPad Mini should have its wireless network using the wifi router to which the A1 is connected. Copy some PCM or DSD files to a usb stick and plug it onto one of A1'susb port. You should see "Lumin usb media server. Choose it and the music albums or files should appear.

Afterwards or concurrently, you can connect your NAS to the wifi router. You should see the media server running on the NAS as well.
 
Hi Geoffrey, I have also tried Kinsky on my ThinkPad (with its wireless network connected to the Wifi router the Lumin is connected to). You should be able to see Lumin on the Kinsky screen. Under Library, you should also see "Lumin usb media server" (assuming you have a usb stick plugged in). Choose it and play files from there.
I haven't compared critically, but I didn't detect differences with the Minmin server on my Synology NAS (through Ethernet). Note that the usb stick draws (tiny) power from the Lumin itself. A usb hard disk may use external power supply whose quality may influence SQ. Noise may creep into the Lumin as I doubt the usb port is isolated.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top